Why It’s Important to Listen to the Naysayers and Still Persevere

Former president of Liberia and the first woman who was elected head of state of an African country, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf once said that if your dreams don’t scare you, then you’re not dreaming big enough.

Lofty ambitions may get your adrenaline pumping, but they are sure to catch you off guard whenever they can. No doubt, there will be days when you’ll feel like you’re being foolish for trying to pursue your dreams. Everyone’s got a voice in their head that’s making them question their greatness. Mine did, too!

However, nothing drains energy faster than the sight of naysayers buzzing around you like angry bees.

Sadly, naysayers are part and parcel of our lives. Try as you might, you can’t fully avoid them. What’s worse is that sometimes they’re one of us! The same friends who helped us get through those excruciating college application processes may begin doubting you when you tell them about your new startup ideas.

So, instead of wasting your energy trying to cancel them from your life, it’s better to learn how to persevere in the face of naysayers. After all, I strongly believe that faith in yourself is the intangible force that always comes to the rescue when your beliefs begin to falter.

Here’s what you can do:

Get selective

Don’t run around shouting your biggest goals and ambitions to everyone. You’re just setting yourself up for a bombardment of negative energy. Pick and choose people you believe are empathetic and supportive enough to listen to your dreams, fears and confusions. Even if it’s just one person, they’re all you will really need to get you through the days when you’re down in the dumps.

Understand the naysayer

When you find someone mocking you or showing incredulity at your ambitions, just stop and think for a moment: Has this naysayer done something similar to what I am doing? Do they have experience in what they’re speaking of? Are they living the life you have always desired for yourself? If they’re not the role model you’re looking for, they’re not the ones you should be paying much heed to.

Keep it short and sweet

In case you end up in a meandering conversation about your life goals with your naysayer, it’s better to cut the discussion short and call it a day. There’s no point wasting your breath over someone who does not believe in you or cannot offer you honest, constructive advice.

Use phrases like “I see what you mean” or “okay, I’ll think about it.” You don’t really have to agree with they’re saying though.

Life’s too short to worry about what other people think about you and your dreams. Everyone’s in a race of their own, and you’ve got to focus on yourself.

Find more motivation and guidance with Steve Rizzo! A renowned motivational speaker and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve has years of experience to help you get through the tough times! Get in touch with his team here.

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